Western Psychological Services (WPS) was established in 1948 in a little pink house in Los Angeles, California, not far from the local VA hospital. Dr. Morse Manson, the company founder, developed a psychological test that would help World War II veterans adjust when returning to civilian life. This was the first of many psychological and educational assessments that WPS would publish over subsequent decades. With the help of his wife Kate and son Ira, Morse embarked on a journey to help people in need by providing high-quality assessment tools to colleagues in education and psychology.

Sixty-five years later, WPS assessments are being used internationally by professionals to evaluate, diagnose, and treat people in need—especially children and teens who have developmental, social, or behavioral challenges.

In summary, WPS is a stable, successful family-owned company, engaged in fulfilling work.

Our Latest Chapter
The second part of our story starts with Jeff Manson, grandson of the founder (and now President and CEO of WPS), who's making a big investment in the company's future. He has given the company a wonderful home in Torrance, California—a modern, open, inviting space that allows us to work more efficiently. And he has introduced a transformative company culture that encourages innovation, creativity, transparency, and collaboration. These changes are motivated by a belief that happy, empowered, and acknowledged employees better serve the professionals who rely on WPS assessments.

So, here in our new headquarters, with new spirit and optimism, we continue the journey that began in 1948, in the little pink house near the VA hospital.

Our Purpose

WPS is a leading independent publisher of educational and psychological assessments and related intervention resources. With more than 70 years of experience, we’ve built a global reputation as assessment experts in the areas of autism, speech and language, school psychology, and occupational therapy.

In the development of a new test, WPS brings an author’s idea to life, answers researchers' questions, meets clinicians' needs, and changes the lives of individuals for the better.

Core Values

• Be Optimistic: Everything we do begins with attitude. At WPS, a positive outlook allows us to persist, be resilient, and inspire those around us.
• Show That You Care: A pat on the back, offering help, or making an extra effort, it's the little things that can make all the difference. Genuinely caring about our colleagues and about those we serve, we strive to show we care in everything we do.
• Build Relationships That Last: We're a family-owned company that values and cultivates lasting relationships with employees, vendors, authors, customers, and advisors.
• Challenge Yourself to Grow and Learn: We believe in continual personal and professional improvement and seek out knowledge to do so.
• Strive for Balance: As a family company, we understand the importance of spending time with loved ones and the happiness we derive from that. We believe it is this happiness that propels our passion, enthusiasm, and hard work.
• Be Resourceful and Take Initiative: All members of WPS take personal ownership in problem-solving and believe it is our responsibility to create our place on the team and to contribute to the company's success.
• Collaborate Openly and Honestly: No individual has all the answers. Our team uses open communication, compassion, empathy, and trust to create synergy when faced with obstacles.

Careers

WPS is a leading independent publisher of educational and psychological assessments and related intervention resources. With more than 70 years of experience, we’ve built a global reputation as assessment experts in the areas of autism, speech and language, school and clinical psychology, and occupational therapy. We develop tests that improve clinical evaluation, inform diagnosis, and guide therapy. In doing so, we foster personal connections between authors and the clinicians, educators, and researchers who use their tests. When we develop a new test, we bring an author’s idea to life, answer a researcher’s question, meet a clinician’s need, and, ideally, change an individual’s life for the better.

WPS is a profitable, dynamic, and growing company engaged in work that makes a difference in people’s lives. We offer the stability of a third-generation family business combined with the entrepreneurial spirit of a startup. We recognize that the world is changing fast, and that equally applies to our field and industry. For years, we’ve been investing in digital transformation and new ways of working. This has only accelerated in a post-covid world. Our mission is “unlocking potential.” Inspired by our customers, who dedicate themselves to helping others in need, we hope to decode the patterns of human behavior and better understand the impact of our products and services on their lives. We are equally dedicated to applying the same to ourselves; as we continue to invest in a company culture that encourages growth, innovation, creativity, transparency, and collaboration